As Co-op Live opens its doors, inviting some of the world’s biggest acts to Manchester to play at the UK’s biggest indoor arena, it marks a new phase in the city’s musical evolution. But of course, it’s not just about the stadium acts. The fabulous Jane Weaver heads out on tour (landing at New Century for a headline show), plus there’s a retrospective from one of the UK’s most influential electronic labels.
Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators at AO Arena
You know you’re a big deal when you don’t even need a second name. Think Cher, Adele, Prince, Elvis. Another one of those, Slash, brings The River Is Rising – Rest of the World Tour ’24 with solo outfit Slash featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators to the AO Arena this month.
Hearing Voices by Manchester Camerata at The Stoller Hall
Hearing Voices explores the work and memory of those before us, told dramatically by three powerful voices. Manchester Camerata, Kantos Chamber Choir and Karen Cargill. The evening will tell the story of obsession, forbidden love and death.
The World of Hans Zimmer at AO Arena
Producing the scores to some of the biggest films of the last four decades, celebrated composer Hans Zimmer brings a brand-new show to the AO Arena in April. Although Hans doesn’t appear live on stage himself, he functions as the show’s curator and musical director.
Track Dogs at Waterside
Track Dogs are Garrett Wall, Dave Mooney, Howard Brown & Robbie K. Jones, four international ‘madrileños’ (residents of Madrid). Two Irishmen, an Englishman and an American, the band create a fusion of Latino, Americana and bluegrass. Head down to Waterside in Sale to see them live on Thursday 11 April.
Antony Szmierek at New Century
Spoken word indie-electro artist Antony Szmierek heads to Manchester this April. Following an appearance at BBC 6 Music Fest last month, the former teacher from Hyde celebrates the release of last year’s Dance Better EP.
Julie’s Top 5
Join Julie Adenuga for a live version of her popular YouTube series Julie’s Top 5. This time, she’s asking audiences to decide on the top five songs from Usher’s fourth studio album Confessions – the best selling R&B album of the 21st century.
Victoria Baths Presents… She Drew The Gun
She Drew The Gun will perform at Victoria Baths as part of the SpringFest 2024. Singer and songwriter Louisa Roach will help bring together live music, art and food at the festival, held in the historic surroundings of the Victoria Baths.
Eric Cantona at The Palace Theatre
Following the success of his sold-out shows in Manchester and London last year, Eric Cantona returns to the stage for a new tour. The Manchester United legend continues his musical endeavours, performing at Manchester’s Palace Theatre on Saturday 20 April,
Peter Kay opens Co-op Live Arena
Manchester’s newest live venue Co-op Live will open its doors for the very first time on 23 April, it’s been confirmed, with the first show being from esteemed Bolton turn Peter Kay. The national treasure will be the first act on the stage at what will be the UK’s biggest purpose-built indoor stadium. He plays shows on 23 and 24 April, 2024.
Jane Weaver
Singer, songwriter, guitarist, label runner – the magnificent Jane Weaver returns for a much-anticipated headline gig at New Century, a venue most suited to her superlative astral folk. Rolling into her hometown on 26 April, the show comes in tandem with the release of her new album Love In Constant Spectacle and part of her full UK tour.
Nadine Shah at New Century
In celebration of her recently-released fifth studio album Filthy Underneath, Nadine Shah embarks on a full UK headline tour this Spring, including a date at New Century.
The Black Keys at Co-op Live
Multi-Grammy award-winning rock band The Black Keys have announced a huge show at Co-op Live, making them among the first acts to play this pioneering new music venue. The acclaimed duo, formed in Ohio in 2001, will play at the arena on Saturday 27 April. The show follows the release of their forthcoming twelfth studio album Ohio Players, set for release on 5 April. The Black Keys join the likes of Olivia Rodrigo, Pet Shop Boys, Take That and Kings of Leon, who have all been announced to play the first shows at the UK’s largest live entertainment arena.
20 Years of Hyperdub at White Hotel
Certain labels have shaped electronic music. Strictly Rhythm. R&S. Metalheadz. Hyperdub. Pioneering the new sound of dubstep, fusing together dub, techno, house, bassline, grime, the distant echoes of rave and all the links between them, it brought us crucial releases from the likes of The Bug, Zomby, Joker, Martyn and, of course, Burial. They will be celebrating 20 years of creating dancefloor mayhem with a rave at the White Hotel. Dropping in and dropping bombs will be kingpins including Cooly G, DJ Spinn, Iceboy Violet and Hyperdub founder Kode9 himself. All night long.
